5 of Conor McGregor's best quotes about suffering failure and losing

#3 - "It’s a tough pill to swallow" - Conor McGregor reacts to his loss to Nate Diaz

Conor McGregor after his loss at UFC 196

Conor McGregor was booked to face Rafael dos Anjos in March 2016 at UFC 196. However, with 'RDA' pulling out due to an injury, Nate Diaz stepped in on 11-days' notice. The fight took place at catchweight and although 'The Stockton Slugger' went in as an underdog, he caused a major upset.

The moment that @NateDiaz209 shook up the 🌏 at #UFC196What was your reaction? 😱 pic.twitter.com/Q9LTfczciQ

— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) April 19, 2020

Nate Diaz defeated 'Notorious' in round two via submission and gave him a taste as sour as vinegar in his mouth. It was a difficult result for McGregor, who said at the UFC 196 post-fight conference:

"It's a tough pill to swallow but we can either run from our adversity or run to our adversity, take it head on and conquer it. We should celebrate all adversity because it makes you grow and it makes you stronger."

Conor McGregor returned five months later to face Nate Diaz for a rematch and, although by a fine margin via decision, came out victorious.

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#1 - "You might win some, you might lose some" - Conor McGregor on the importance of facing challenges

Conor McGregor at UFC 257

Conor McGregor has an MMA record of 22-5, with three of his losses coming in the last five years. In a 13-year long MMA career, 'The Notorious' has only been knocked out once and has gone on a 15-fight winning streak. McGregor was a multi-division champ back in Ireland during his time with Cage Warriors.

He had announced that it was his plan to become the first concurrent multi-division champion in the UFC, as well. Three years after his UFC debut, Conor McGregor brought his dreams to fruition. Obviously, he has become accustomed to winning. However, he knows a thing or two about losing as well, having suffered humiliating losses in his career and still keeping his chin up.

"I'm gutted." Conor McGregor reacts after his #UFC257 loss. pic.twitter.com/CJN7a2FuZg

— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

Over the years, Conor McGregor has learned the key is not to keep winning but to keep challenging oneself. He expressed his belief when he said:

"You might win some, you might lose some. But you go in, you challenge yourself, you become a better man, a better individual, a better fighter."